Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Make a gourmet-flavored meal on a busy weeknight using your slow cooker. These amazing slow-cooked beef short ribs are not only delicious but will help lower your grocery budget by using a more budget-friendly cut of meat as well as cutting out the restaurant markup.
Beef short ribs are a hearty, flavorful cut of meat that’s perfect for slow cooking. They’re known for their rich, beefy taste and tender texture, especially when cooked low and slow. If you’re looking to explore new recipes that save you time and money in the kitchen, slow-cooking beef short ribs is a fantastic choice. Not only do you get a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth meal, but you can also enjoy great cost savings compared to other cuts of beef.
What Are Beef Short Ribs?
Beef short ribs are cut from the lower portion of the rib cage of the cow, specifically from the brisket, plate, or chuck areas. They come in two main types: flanken-style (cut across the bone) and English-style (cut between the bones, leaving a longer portion of meat). Both types are packed with flavor and tend to have a fair amount of marbling, which makes them ideal for slow-cooking methods. As the ribs cook, the fat and collagen break down, creating a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that’s hard to beat.
Short ribs are often a staple in hearty comfort food dishes, from braises to stews, and their rich flavor makes them perfect for a variety of seasonings and sauces.
Cost Comparison: How Beef Short Ribs Stack Up Against Other Meats
When it comes to cost, beef short ribs can be a more affordable option compared to other cuts of beef, especially when you consider the rich flavor and tenderness you’ll achieve through slow cooking.
- Beef Ribeye or Sirloin Steak: Ribeye or sirloin steaks are more premium cuts that can cost anywhere from $9 to $20 per pound, depending on where you live and the quality of the meat.
- Beef Short Ribs: Short ribs are typically less expensive, ranging from $4 to $8 per pound, making them a more budget-friendly option for a hearty meal. Prices can vary based on location and whether the ribs are bone-in or boneless.
- Chuck Roast: Another affordable cut of beef, chuck roast typically costs $5 to $10 per pound. While it’s also great for slow cooking, beef short ribs offer more flavor and texture in certain recipes, making them a great alternative if you’re looking to save money but still enjoy a premium meal.
Why Slow Cooking Saves Time and Money
One of the biggest benefits of slow-cooking beef short ribs is that it’s a time-saving method that yields delicious, tender results without needing constant attention in the kitchen. Here’s how slow cooking can save both time and money:
1. Budget-Friendly Slow-Cooked Beef Short Ribs
Beef short ribs are an economical choice for those looking to cut their grocery budget without sacrificing taste. Slow cooking allows you to take a more affordable cut of meat and transform it into something mouthwateringly tender. When you slow cook short ribs, the tough fibers in the meat break down over time, creating a rich, flavorful dish that feels luxurious but costs much less than higher-end cuts like ribeye.
2. Maximize Your Meat
Slow cooking can make even the toughest cuts of meat tender and juicy. By using less expensive cuts like short ribs, you can stretch your grocery dollars further. The long, slow cook allows the meat to retain moisture, so you get more out of each pound. A few short ribs can feed an entire family or provide enough leftovers for another meal.
3. Less Prep, More Time
Slow cooking is as much about convenience as it is about flavor. You can prep your short ribs in the morning or the night before—season them, add your ingredients, and set them in the slow cooker. Then, let the magic happen while you get on with your day. Whether you’re working, running errands, or taking care of other tasks, the slow cooker does the heavy lifting for you. By the time you’re ready for dinner, your meal is already cooked, tender, and ready to serve.
4. One Pot Wonder
Slow cookers are incredibly versatile and easy to clean. Many recipes for beef short ribs don’t require multiple pans, which means less time spent cleaning up after dinner. Simply add all your ingredients to the slow cooker, let it do the work, and enjoy a delicious, low-maintenance meal.
5. Better Flavor Development
Slow cooking allows the beef short ribs to develop deep, rich flavors over time. The meat becomes infused with the spices, herbs, and liquids you cook it with, making for a much more flavorful dish than quick cooking methods. You don’t need expensive seasonings or fancy techniques—just a bit of patience and the right ingredients, and you’ll have a dish that’s bursting with flavor.
Slow-cooking beef short ribs is an excellent way to enjoy a delicious, hearty meal without breaking the bank. Not only are they more affordable than premium cuts of beef, but slow cooking also allows you to create an incredible dish that’s rich in flavor and tender beyond belief. If you’re trying to cut your grocery budget but still want to make satisfying meals, beef short ribs should be on your radar. Take advantage of their affordability and versatility, and let the slow cooker do the hard work for you.
Slow Cooked Beef Short Ribs
Slow-Cooked Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients
- 6 thick-cut beef short ribs
- 1 large head garlic, cut in half horizontally
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 750 ml bottle red wine (red blend or cabarnet work best)
- 4 cups beef stock have extra to cover ribs as necessary
- 1 cup pancetta
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups mushrooms, trimmed and sliced
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley for garnish, if desired
Instructions
- Generously season beef short ribs with salt and pepper.
- Preheat heavy bottom stock pot or Dutch oven over medium high heat with a glug of olive oil. Add short ribs and brown well on all sides; about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove short ribs from pot and set aside. Lower heat to medium.
- Add the halved garlic heat, cut side down to the hot pot. Push it to the bottom to sear. Add the tomato paste and heat for a minute or two. Pour in the wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up the bits at the bottom.
- Bring to a coil and cook for 10-15 minutes or until liquid is reduced by half.
- Place browned ribs in bottom of a large crockpot. Pour over cooked wine sauce. Top with beef stock to completely cover short ribs.
- Cook on LOW heat for 6-8 hours.
- About 10 minutes before serving, fry the pancetta for 2-3 minutes or until crisp and golden. Add the mushrooms and cook another 4-5 minutes. Drain off excess grease.
- Transfer short ribs to a serving dish. Squeeze the garlic heads into a wire sieve and press through into sauce in crockpot. Mix well. (If sauce seems too thin, turn your slow-cooker to HIGH. Mix a bit of the liquid with cornstarch to make a slurry. Pour back into the slow cooker and allow to cook until thickened to your liking.)
- Serve the short ribs topped with the hot pancetta and mushrooms. Pour the sauce over. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, as desired.
While it is tempting to buy your meat on sale at a big-box store, the cheapest meat while getting the best quality is to find a local seller. I have been frequenting my local butcher, Center St. Meat Company, and have not yet been disappointed with the cost OR quality.
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